Interactive toy doll system

ABSTRACT

An interactive toy doll system is described for performing and displaying ordered sequences of visual and aural effects, such as feeding and tearing behaviors upon activation. An interactive doll system includes a doll having a sensor, an intake control valve and output control valve operably connected to the sensor. A receptacle is provided functionally connected to the intake and output control valves. A gear assembly is operably connected to at least the receptacle and a main switch is provided operably connected to at least the gear assembly. An external sensor activator device is provided configured to activate the doll sensor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to toy dolls, and in particular, to an interactive toy doll system and method for interacting with and operating same.

2. Description of Related Art

In the art, toy dolls in a variety of styles, shapes, features and characteristics are known. In particular, dolls that are mechanized and exhibit action features such as movement and motion such as limb/hand movements, ‘wetting’ diapers, as well as sound effects are familiar in the art.

Such mechanized dolls typically are switch activated, whereupon the particular action(s) or movement(s) is performed upon activation of a switch, which itself may be activated in a number of ways. Typically, in such dolls, the switch is manually deployed by a user.

However, in many dolls, upon execution and completion of the particular movement(s), the doll becomes sedentary once more. Such a toy's entertainment value is often limited, since any ‘interaction’ with the toy is simply reduced to a user simply activating and re-activating the switch repeatedly in order to get a response from the doll. A child's interest often quickly disappears in a short period of time with such toys.

In addition, many mechanical dolls are limited to performing simple movements and thus lack a true sense of interaction with the user, such as responsive feeding behaviors and sequences of behaviors in response to stimuli.

Accordingly, a toy doll which captures and maintains user interest, provides a stimulating interactive experience for the user and encourages continued play, is highly desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an interactive toy doll system for performing and displaying ordered sequences of visual, physiological and aural effects, including feeding and tearing behaviors upon initial activation. The doll includes a main switch, at least one sensor disposed e.g., preferably in a mouth cavity, an expandable/compressible receptacle controlled by a gear assembly, and at least one pair of control valves (an intake and an output valve). Upon initial activation of a main switch, the doll is responsive to, e.g., subsequent activation of the sensor disposed in its mouth cavity via a separate sensor activator, preferably for a pre-determined amount of time.

According to one aspect, an interactive doll system is provided comprising a doll including a sensor, an intake control valve and output control valve operably connected to the sensor, a receptacle functionally connected to the intake and output control valves, and a gear assembly operably connected to at least the receptacle. A main switch is provided operably connected to at least the gear assembly and a sensor activator device is provided configured to activate the sensor.

According to another aspect, a method of operating an interactive toy doll is provided comprising the steps of activating a main switch on the doll, activating a sensor on the doll using an external device, and activating a fluid intake mode for drawing fluid into a receptacle in the doll. When the receptacle is full, it is determined if the sensor is deactivated. If yes, a fluid output mode is activated for expelling the fluid from the receptacle.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be described or become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This disclosure will present in detail the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the following figures wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of general components of a doll system according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of mechanical components of a system according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of operation of a toy doll system according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of internal mechanical components of a doll assembly according to an aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is an exemplary external covering for a doll according to an aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary schematic view of general electrical and mechanical components of an interactive doll system comprised of toy doll 100 and an interactive apparatus for applying stimuli 130 according to an aspect of the present principles. The location of components as shown in FIG. 1 is for exemplary purposes only and does not constitute the absolute positioning of the components. The doll 100 includes a first control center 101 functionally connected to a second control center 107. First control center 101 includes a first terminal 103 functionally connected to at least one duct 118 and eyelid 117. Note that various ducts may be provided in any number and at any location in the doll 100, preferably at a surface thereof, to simulate other fluid emission effects, such as diaper wetting, etc.

A second terminal 105 is provided functionally connected to a fluid intake pipe 123 including a ‘mouth’ sensor 119. Sensor 119 may comprise, e.g., a sensor adapted to be placed within a cavity (e.g., an oral cavity) of the doll 100 and is therefore preferably hidden from view.

An external and separate sensor activation device 130 may be provided, which may comprise, e.g., a container fillable with any fluid and includes a tip which may further include a sensor activator 121 (e.g., a magnet) therein. The tip and/or sensor activator 121 may be configured, shaped and adapted to be insertable into the cavity of the doll 100 which includes the corresponding sensor 119 (e.g., doll's mouth opening) for activating the sensor 119. In addition to, e.g., a magnet system, alternate types of sensor/sensor activation systems may be contemplated, e.g., infrared, laser, electrical or mechanical systems, etc.

A sequence of movements/sound/actions performed by the doll may be initially activated via deployment of a sensor/switch 115, which may be located anywhere on the doll. Program 116 is provided comprising instructions for sequences of pre-programmed behaviors and actions. For example, program chip or logic 116 may include instructions for predetermined amounts of time a particular action or sequence of actions is to be performed.

The doll further includes at least a speaker 109 controlled by the program chip 116 for sound generation and projection capabilities, namely, e.g., to generate sound effects in accordance with a mode or state of the doll (e.g., drinking noises when the doll is in a ‘drinking’ mode, crying noises when the doll is in a ‘tearing’ mode, other noises when the doll is in various transitional stages (fussing noises, gurgling, laughing, etc.). A power source 111 is provided functionally connected to and energizes both control centers 101 and 107 and may comprise, e.g., a battery/batteries or other portable energy source. A position orientation switch 112 may be provided for prompting motor 114 and/or speaker 109 to be activated. Position orientation switch 112 functions in a similar way, e.g., as a mercury switch. When a doll is positioned in a particular orientation (e.g., a reclined position, upright position, etc.), the switch is closed, and when the doll is thereafter positioned in a different orientation the switch is opened.

Motor 114 may drive, e.g., mechanical movements of the doll's eyes and mouth via e.g., a system of gears, pulleys, etc. A receptacle or pump 113 is provided operably connected to the motor 114 and is configured to store substances, e.g., gases, liquids, etc. and controlling the intake and emission of same from the doll 100. For example, substances (e.g., fluids) retained within receptacle 113 are sent out through passage 120 for output by at least one duct 118 upon correct application of stimuli to the doll 100, described further below.

In one embodiment, a rotatable eyelid piece 117, and a movable jaw piece (not shown) may be provided which are functionally connected to control centers 101 and/or 107. Desirable movement of such elements (e.g., in vertical and/or horizontal directions) may be facilitated via gears which may be prompted to reverse direction of rotation, which in turn reverses the direction of movement causing an up and down motion. Such gear reversal capability may be facilitated via, e.g., a system of contact switches which may be physically activated (e.g., during operation of the doll) so as to complete/close certain circuits, one of which may direct the rotation of the gears in a first direction, and another which may direct the gear rotation in the opposite direction. Accordingly, the effect of eyelid and mouth movements (opening and closing) may be simulated. Other motor-driven or movable pieces may be provided and situated on the doll 100 in any location for facilitating, e.g., other body movements and actions.

Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic block diagram of exemplary mechanical components of a system according to an aspect of the present invention is shown. The system of FIG. 2 may be included in a doll to impart, e.g., drinking and tearing operational capabilities to the doll.

A pump or receptacle 203 is provided including, e.g., a connection fixture 219 for securing the pump to a motor 205. The pump 203 is preferably comprised of an expandable/collapsible container. For example, the pump 203 may be comprised of a vessel which may be caused to expanded and compressed at will to fill/empty its contents. Such vessel may include walls comprised of a flexible, resilient material (e.g., rubber, latex, plastic) configured in, e.g., an ‘accordian’ or bellows style, so as to physically accommodate effective expansion/contraction.

A motor or gear box 205 is provided, e.g., preferably including a gear assembly 204, and configured for energizing the pump 203 to control its expansion and contraction. For example, when a main switch 206 and the mouth sensor 119 is properly activated, a fluid intake or ‘drinking’ mode is activated and the motor 205 is energized, causing e.g., gears to move in a first direction. This pulls the pump 203 in direction 225 (e.g., via a force exerted on pump fixture 217), thus causing expansion of the pump 203 and a suction force therein. In conjunction with the proper control valve configuration (described further below) fluids (e.g., contained within a bottle 130) are accordingly introduced or ‘sucked’ into the doll, being input into the pump 203 (e.g., at arrow 211), and passed through input passage 214, a terminal 201, and input/output (2-way) passage 216.

Terminal 201 may comprise a ‘3-way terminal’ including a first control valve 215 and a second control valve 221, each preferably comprising, e.g., a piston device which may be opened and closed at will. For example, to effectuate the fluid intake (a ‘drinking’ mode), a control valve or piston 221 may be shut while the control valve or piston 215 is opened when the receptacle 203 is exerting a suction force as described above.

When, e.g., the pump 203 is filled to capacity and the switch 119 is deactivated, a fluid output or ‘tearing’ mode may be activated. Note that fluid output mode may also comprise other doll actions using various ducts located at various places in the doll, e.g., to cause a ‘diaper wetting’ effect, etc. During a fluid output mode, e.g., the motor 205 is caused to compress the pump 203 (e.g., reverse the gears 204 to rotate in an opposite direction, thus exerting a force on fixture 217 in direction 223 to compress receptacle 203). During this process, the intake valve 215 is closed whereas the output valve 221 is caused to be opened. Accordingly, the contents of the pump 203 are caused to be expelled via input/output (2-way) passage 216 to terminal 201 and thereon through a primary output passage 213 to a second terminal 207 (e.g., a ‘2-way terminal’) and out to ducts 209 via secondary output passages 218. Preferably, the contents being expelled from the system comprise a liquid which is ultimately emitted through a plurality of ducts 209; a corresponding plurality of secondary output passages 218 may be provided therefor. For example, each duct 209 may be provided on each eye of a doll and include openings sized to emit droplets. Accordingly, a realistic ‘tearing’ effect is effectuated during fluid expulsion.

Motor 205 may include, e.g., a simple DC powered motor that rotates in accordance with the voltage polarity applied thereto. For example, the motor may turn the gears clockwise in accordance with a +3 volt signal and counterclockwise in accordance with a −3 volt signals. Other voltages may be employed depending on the available battery power.

Motor 205 may be activated in accordance with a plurality of different signals. In one embodiment, motor 205 is activated in accordance with a main sensor/switch 115 and/or a mouth sensor 119. Main sensor/switch 115 may include a normally open switch located in any area of the doll (e.g., a hand, foot, torso, head, etc.). More than one main switch 115 may be provided on the doll, at any location thereon.

When closed by, e.g., squeezing or touching a body part of the doll, the main switch 115 may prompt controller 107 to activate e.g., one or more action modes (e.g., a ‘sleep’ mode, an ‘awake’ mode, etc.). For example, the controller 107 may turn on one or more motor 114 and/or a sound chip (not shown) and the speaker 109 to perform one or more tasks for simulating, e.g., a particular action mode. These tasks may include, for example, moving arms of the doll, moving the dolls eye lids and/or mouth, causing vocal effects, playing sounds or any other mechanical movements or sounds to further simulate the action mode that has been activated.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of operation of a toy doll according to an aspect of the present invention. Upon activation of a main switch in a doll according to an aspect of the present invention (step 301) a sound and/or movement mode is activated (step 303), causing the doll to exhibit any of a variety of vocal effects and physical movements (e.g., babbling sounds, eyelids opening and closing). In addition, a timer is deployed to keep track of the time elapsed from the moment the main switch is deployed.

At step 305, it is determined whether a second switch (e.g., mouth switch 119) has been activated. That is, it is ascertained whether the bottle has been inserted into the doll's mouth. If no, the process loops back to step 303. If yes, a ‘drinking mode’ according to an aspect of the present principles is activated. For example, as described above, an internal pump in the doll is caused to expand, imparting a suction force and thereby taking in any fluid contained in the inserted bottle. Corresponding ‘drinking’ sound effects may be generated by the doll during step 307.

In step 308 it is determined whether the doll is ‘full’, i.e., whether the internal pump has been filled to capacity. If no, the process loops back to step 307. If yes, in step 309 it is determined whether the second switch (mouth switch) has been deactivated (i.e., whether the bottle has been removed from the mouth). If no, the process loops back to step 309; if yes, a ‘tearing’ mode according to an aspect of the present principles is activated (step 311). Corresponding crying sound effects may be generated by the doll during the ‘tearing’ mode in step 311.

For example, as described above, the tearing mode may be carried out via compression of the doll's internal pump, thus expelling its contents via a plurality of tear ducts in the doll's eyes.

After a pre-determined amount of time ‘X’ during which the doll is in tearing mode (e.g., less than about one minute), a sound/movement mode is activated (step 313). In step 315 it is ascertained whether the doll has been re-positioned or patted (e.g., put in a reclining, horizontal position or patted on its torso). That is, e.g., it is ascertained whether the position orientation switch 112 has been activated. If yes, a sleep mode is activated (step 317) in which, e.g., the doll may make fussing noises and go to sleep, at which the process is done (step 321). If no, it is determined whether the time elapsed from step 301 is greater than a predetermined amount ‘Y,’ wherein Y is a predetermined amount of minutes, e.g., less than about five to ten minutes. This time amount Y may be altered as desired to extend or shorten the amount of time. If yes, the process goes to step 317; if no, the process returns to step 313, in which the sound/movement mode is continued.

It is noted that alternate sequences of behaviors may be contemplated, and various actions/modes of a doll according to an aspect of the present invention may be repeated until, e.g., an elapsed amount of time and/or a certain number of iterations has been reached as determined by program chip 116.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of general internal mechanical components of a doll assembly according to an aspect of the present invention, showing front and rear doll head plates 401 and 403, pump 203, gear assembly 205, speaker 109, eyeballs 407, eyelids 409 and power source housing 405. Front head plate 401 includes at least two eye apertures 402 and a mouth aperture (not shown). A head gear box top 3, head gear box base 4, head gear box press plate 7, a switch press plate 9, waterproof ring for neck 17, and eccentric wheel for eye 11 are shown. Body housing top 24 and body housing bottom 25 are provided for housing at least speaker press plate 33, pump push plate 27, pump gear box press plate 32, in addition to gear box 205 and pump 203.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary external covering for a doll according to an aspect of the present invention. An exemplary external covering or sheath 501 for a doll head is shown, shaped in the form of an infant's face, including eye apertures 503, 505 and an oral aperture 509. The mouth aperture 509 is preferably adapted to receive an object therein, e.g., a shaped bottle tip, and may comprise a round or oval opening.

Preferably, the sheath 501 is comprised of a highly flexible, pliable and resilient material (e.g., rubber, rubber composites, plastic, silicone, etc.), with a thickness no greater than about 0.20 cm. The underlying movable mechanical parts of the doll assembly are preferably arranged in appropriate locations. For example, in the case of providing a doll with movable eyes and mouth, the movable eyelids 117 and jaw piece are provided proximate to the doll head plate's mouth and eye openings and the sheath 501 is then placed over the doll head.

Advantageously, the sheath's 501 material qualities, thickness and mode of attachment enable a realistic effect of facial movements. A wide array of movements (e.g., movable ears, eyebrows, etc.) can be simulated with alteration of points of attachment and mechanical parts as necessary.

Having described preferred embodiments for an interactive toy doll system (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as outlined by the appended claims. Having thus described the invention with the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims. 

1. An interactive doll system comprising: a doll including: a sensor; an intake control valve and an output control valve operably connected to the sensor; a receptacle functionally connected to said intake and output control valves; a gear assembly operably connected to at least said receptacle; a main switch operably connected to at least the gear assembly; and a sensor activator device configured to activate the sensor.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises an expandable and compressible container.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: an intake passage functionally attached at a first end to the intake control valve; and a primary output passage functionally attached at a first end to the output control valve, wherein the intake and output control valves are attached to a first terminal.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first terminal comprises a three-way terminal.
 5. The system of claim 3, further comprising a second terminal, wherein a second end of the primary output passage is attached to the second terminal.
 6. The system of claim 5, further comprising at least one secondary output passage having a first end attached to the second terminal.
 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising at least one duct, wherein a second end of the secondary output passage is attached to said at least one duct.
 8. The system of claim 7, further comprising: a two-way passage having a first end attached to the first terminal and a second end attached to the receptacle.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor activator device comprises an external container having a magnet configured for activating the sensor.
 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a cavity in which the sensor is provided, wherein the sensor activator device is configured for insertion in said cavity.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the doll further includes a program chip comprising pre-programmed instructions for operation of the doll.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the doll further includes a position orientation switch operably connected to at least the program chip.
 13. The system of claim 11, further comprising a speaker controlled by the program chip to generate sound effects in accordance with a state of the doll.
 14. A method of operating an interactive toy doll, comprising the steps of: activating a main switch on the doll; activating a sensor on the doll using an external device; activating a fluid intake mode for drawing fluid into a receptacle in the doll, wherein when the receptacle is full, further comprising the steps of: determining if the sensor is deactivated, wherein if yes, further comprising the step of activating a fluid output mode for expelling the fluid from the receptacle.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of activating the fluid intake mode further comprises the steps of: closing a fluid output valve; opening a fluid intake valve; and driving a gear assembly in a first direction for expanding the receptacle.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of activating a fluid output mode further comprises the steps of: opening a fluid output valve; closing a fluid intake valve; and driving a gear assembly in a second direction for compressing the receptacle.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein during the step of activating the fluid intake mode, further comprising the step of generating drinking sound effects.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein during the step of activating a fluid output mode, further comprising the step of generating crying sound effects.
 19. An interactive doll system comprising: a doll including: a sensor provided within an oral cavity of the doll; an intake control valve and an output control valve operably connected to the sensor; a receptacle comprising an expandable and compressible container having flexible walls, said receptacle being functionally connected to said intake and output control valves and to at least one duct; a gear assembly operably connected to at least said receptacle; a main switch operably connected to at least the gear assembly; and a separate sensor activator device configured for insertion into said oral cavity to activate the sensor.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the sensor activator device is filled with a fluid for input into the receptacle during a fluid intake mode of the doll. 